Heisman Trophy winner Rashaan Salaam was found dead Monday night in a Boulder, Colo., park less than 2 miles from Folsom Field, where he carved his name into the University of Colorado record books. He was 42.
Salaam's mother, Khalada Salaam, told USA Today that police suspect he killed himself. "They said they found a note," she said.
Salaam won the Heisman in 1994. when he rushed for 2,055 yards and 24 touchdowns.
"You talk about a young man who was smart, handsome, talented. He was very, very gifted. He was humble. He was a team guy," said Bill McCartney, who coached Salaam from 1992-94.
The Chicago Bears made Salaam a first-round draft pick in 1995, and he rushed for 1,074 yards and 10 touchdowns in winning NFC Rookie of the Year honors. But injuries struck, and he played his last NFL game with Cleveland in 1999.
He fell on hard times after that. In 2011 he auctioned his Heisman ring.
Baylor hires Temple's Rhule
Baylor hired Matt Rhule on Tuesday, hoping the Temple coach can rebuild the program hit by scandal. Rhule becomes the replacement for Art Briles, who was dismissed over the university's handling of sexual assault complaints, including some against football players. Rhule had consecutive 10-win seasons with the Owls.
• Michigan State defensive lineman Malik McDowell said he will skip his senior season to enter the NFL draft.
